PDD-NSC-67 Enduring Constitutional Government
and Continuity of Government Operations (U) 21 October 1998

Presidential Decision Directive 67 (PDD 67), issued 21 October 1998, relates to enduring constitutional government, continuity of operations (COOP) planning, and continuity of government (COG) operations. The purpose of Enduring Constitutional Government (ECG), Continuity of Government (COG), and Continuity of Operations (COOP) is to ensure survival of a constitutional form of government and the continuity of essential Federal functions. Presidential Decision Directive 67 replaced the Bush Administration's NSD 69 "Enduring Constitutional Government" of 02 June 1992, which in turn succeeded NSD 37 "Enduring Constitutional Government" of 18 April 1990 and NSDD 55 "Enduring National Leadership" of 14 September 1982.

In addition, Executive Order 12656 [Section 202] required that "The head of each Federal department and agency shall ensure the continuity of essential functions in any national security emergency by providing for: succession to office and emergency delegation of authority in accordance with applicable law; safekeeping of essential resources, facilities, and records; and establishment of emergency operating capabilities."

Among other things, PDD 67 required Federal agencies to develop Continuity of Operations Plans for Essential Operations. In response to this directive, many Federal agencies formed task forces of representatives from throughout the agency who were familiar with agency contingency plans. They developed the COOP as a unifying concept that did not replace existing plans but, instead, superimposed COOP functions if and when a problem threatens serious disruption to agency operations. The plans identify those requirements necessary to support the primary function, such as emergency communications, establishing a chain of command, and delegation of authority.

With the reduced threat to this country of nuclear attack by the former Soviet Union and its successor nations, Enduring Constitutional Government programs (the former Continuity of Government programs) were scaled back in the early 1990s. Most of the resources of the National Preparedness Directorate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] were spent on ensuring the continuation of civilian government in the event of a nuclear war, through what are known as the Enduring Constitutional Government programs. The directorate also supports ongoing studies through war gaming, computer modeling, and other methods.

The April 1999 "Federal Response Plan" [FEMA 9230.1-PL] required te head of each Federal Department and agency shall ensure the continuity of essential functions in any national security emergency by providing for: succession to office and emergency delegation of authority in accordance with applicable law; safekeeping of essential resources, facilities, and records; and establishment of emergency operating capabilities.

The text of PDD-67 has not been released, and there is no White House Factsheet summarizing its provisions.

A Federal Preparedness Circular (FPC-65) provides guidance to Federal Executive Branch departments and agencies for use in developing viable and executable contingency plans for the continuity of operations (COOP).